Jul 30 Pipeworks x L&E “Brown & Stirred”

Our good friends at Chicago’s own Pipeworks Brewing recently asked us if we would be interested in collaborating on a beer. They had the idea of a cocktail inspired brew, we make a pretty mean Manhattan, so the obvious move was to try to make a Manhattan-inspired beer.

Starting with a very high amount of rye and a little bit of corn, we added lemon peel as well as a small amount of aromatic hops. After the boil, all of it went into the fermenter for about a week. Next, a small amount of cherry purée was added. During this time bittering roots (Angelica, Chinchona and Quinine) were being macerated. After the fermentation was complete, we went back and made a few Longman Manhattans (strictly for reference!), and started adding the bitters.

The result, “Brown and Stirred,” is a very unique Strong Rye Ale weighing in at 10.5% ABV.

Half this limited beer is available by the bottle and on draft (starting August 7), and is served in a proper Manhattan glass, over ice, with a twist of lemon. The other half of the beer that was made is now resting in used rye whiskey barrels. This will come to life, be kegged and bottled around the end of the year. Stay tuned!